In a small saucepan, bring 6 cups water to a boil. Add tea bags; remove from heat and let steep for 20 minutes. Discard tea bags. In a pitcher combine tea, lemonade concentrate, sugar, almond extract and enough water to make 1 gallon; stir. Garnish with sliced lemons and mint leaves.

In a small saucepan, bring 6 cups water to a boil. Add tea bags; remove from heat and let steep for 20 minutes. Discard tea bags. In a pitcher combine tea, lemonade concentrate, sugar, almond extract and enough water to make 1 gallon; stir. Garnish with sliced lemons and mint leaves.

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Some people find that caffeine makes them feel jumpy, jittery, anxious and "wired." But others may notice it makes them feel fatigued. Because each person is different it is important to determine your personal "caffeine cutoff point" before it affects how you feel — or sleep.

Caffeine has been consumed daily by millions of people for thousands of years. Records of drinking it go back to the origins of tea in China around 4700 B.C. Coffee's origin dates back to A.D. 475 in Africa when coffee beans were both used as money and consumed as food.

Naturally occurring in leaves, seeds or fruits, caffeine is found in coffee and cocoa beans, cola nuts and tea leaves. The amount of caffeine contained in food products varies with serving size, type of product and preparation method. Plant varieties of tea and coffee affect the caffeine content.

Moderate caffeine consumption is about 300 mg daily, equal to three cups of coffee. However the amount of caffeine can vary in beverages.

A mild, central nervous system stimulate, caffeine does not accumulate in the body. It is usually excreted within several hours of consumption.

Snack foods, especially regular carbonated soft drinks, chocolate and tea, contribute large amounts of caffeine to American diets. Consumers need to analyze foods and beverages by reading labels to monitor the amount of caffeine in a particular food and calculate daily intake for their families, especially children.

For the past two decades, extensive research has been conducted on the heath aspects of caffeine consumption. The United States Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association hold similar positions on caffeine's safety. The AMA concluded that "Moderate tea or coffee drinkers probably need to have no concern for their health relative to their caffeine consumption provided other lifestyle habits (diet, alcohol consumption) are moderate, as well".

As with all foods, moderation and common sense are the keys to consuming caffeine.

Connie Aclin is extension educator with the LSU AgCenter. Her column runs Wednesdays. Write to her at 2408 E. 70th St., Shreveport, LA 71105-4702, call her at 318-226-6805 or e-mail to caclin@agcenter.lsu.edu.